Spike the dog in Simeon's car which had two windows broken on St Albans Road East

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The RSPCA has warned dog owners about the dangers of leaving their pets in cars, as temperatures in St Albans soar to 29C.

Police rescued this dog, who had been abandoned in a locked car in Welwyn Hatfield Picture credit: @Wel/HatNthPolice

The Met Office has predicted temperatures into the upper twenties for the city for most of the week, until Friday when temperatures will drop to 19C.

The Met Office is also predicting high UV levels for the next few days.

Harpenden weather station registered a temperature of 30C on Monday, June 19.

In response, RSPCA inspector Justin Stubbs said: “Our message has been loud and clear for years: don’t leave dogs alone in parked cars on warm days. And while it’s reassuring that this message seems to be getting through to some people, ultimately we’d like this number to drop to zero.

“Unfortunately, many people seem to be under the impression that it’s okay to leave their dogs in the car for a number of hours while they work out, go shopping or attend an appointment.”

The RSPCA is currently running a campaign alongside 11 other charities in order to raise awareness of the dangers, and the possible consequences, of leaving pets in hot cars.

Last September, a man was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, after he left his two dogs to die in a car while he went to the gym.

With regards to their owners, East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) said: “We received more than 7,200 calls across the region over the weekend. The heat has understandably played a part in our increase in demand.

“Yesterday we responded to 21 heat related calls compared to one last Sunday. The number of falls increased by 35 per cent.”

EEAST has reminded people to stay hydrated, keep to the shade where possible, use sunscreen, keep indoor areas cool as well, and wear loose-fitting clothing.

The service has also asked people to only call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency, and make use of GPs surgeries and the 111 non-emergency number.

What are your tips for keeping cool this summer? Send us your tips, and your summer photos, to @hertsad or fraser.whieldon@hertsad.co.uk